The restructuring plan, referred to as option D, aims to centralize services like occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, social work, and literacy coaching under one roof. This approach intends to minimize the travel requirements for staff and foster a stable educational environment. A teacher from Roosevelt Elementary spoke about the potential benefits, highlighting opportunities for increased collaboration and shared resources among educators. Despite the optimistic outlook, concerns were raised about the integration’s impact on educational outcomes. A board member cited research suggesting that combining pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students might delay skill acquisition, urging caution in the implementation of such changes.

Safety concerns emerged during the meeting, particularly about placing kindergarten students on Roosevelt Elementary’s second floor. Questions were raised about evacuation procedures during emergencies and the physical safety of young children using stairs. Additionally, the potential reliance on grant funding for early childhood programs was scrutinized, with doubts about long-term sustainability.

Budgetary concerns were a recurring theme throughout the meeting, with some members advocating for prioritizing resources toward K-12 education. A proposal for a $700,000 budget reduction was discussed, which could lead to larger class sizes or reduced programming.

Public comments echoed these financial concerns. Janet Molen voiced worries about the district’s budget, noting an increase in taxpayer funding over the years without corresponding educational improvements. She urged the board to reconsider adding non-teaching staff, arguing that it would not address budgetary or educational issues. Leah Inman, a parent, emphasized the need for transparency in discussions about potential school reorganizations. She highlighted Roosevelt Elementary’s strong performance and urged clear communication with the community regarding any changes.

The meeting also featured a debate over the school board’s salary. A motion to approve a salary of $275 per month for directors and $300 for the board chair passed with a 6-1 vote. Opposing the motion, Dr. Ro argued against compensation for board service, viewing it as a public duty. He suggested that salaries, if accepted, be donated to scholarship programs.

Further administrative decisions were made, including the approval of various fiscal year resolutions and the designation of legal counsel for 2025. The board unanimously approved resolutions concerning financial matters, official publications, and representatives for state educational agencies.

In addition, the board discussed committee assignments and school board schedules. Changes to committee structures were proposed to enhance effectiveness, with specific roles for finance, policy, facilities, and wellness committees outlined. The importance of public accessibility to most committee meetings was confirmed, though exceptions like the Canon Valley Special Education Cooperative were noted.

The meeting concluded with the introduction of new board members, including student representatives who shared their enthusiasm and aspirations for contributing to the board’s endeavors. An upcoming strategic planning retreat was announced, aimed at refining district vision statements and improving student achievement.